Highland Hose Volunteer Fire Company in Tarentum is getting some big-name fundraising support next month.
Pittsburgh rocker Scott Blasey, lead singer of The Clarks, is lending his voice to help raise money for the fire company at an event at the Brackenridge American Legion on Feb. 7.
Blasey and the band have been rockin’ the Burgh since forming at Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1986.
In January, the band’s “Better Off Without You” was part of the opening episode of “The Pitt,” the HBO Max hit series set in Pittsburgh.
The event is organized by Kaley’s Kops & Heroes, the brainchild of 13-year-old Kaley Bastine, who has spent years doing fundraisers for first responders.
An eighth grader at Highlands, Kaley said she wasn’t sure she could get someone like Blasey for her event.
“I was kind of shocked when he got back to me,” said Kaley. “He’s pretty popular.”
But Blasey said he was happy to accept.
“I don’t know the Bastines personally, but I support essential workers like fire departments in whatever ways I can,” Blasey said.
Blasey said he’s looking forward to performing for a packed house.
“I have a lot of fans in that area, and I always get a great turnout when I perform there,” he said. “This seemed like a good opportunity to help.”
The concert is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m Feb., 7, a Saturday.
Kaley has been organizing events since first grade to help emergency service agencies in Harrison, Lower Burrell and Tarentum.
She has sold cookies, had lemonade stands and even organized an ice cream social at Mogie’s Irish Pub to fundraise for Lower Burrell’s police dog, Buc.
Last year, her attention turned to firefighters. Kaley’s ties to Highland Hose run deep. Her late great-grandfather, Bob Sims, served nearly 77 years with the company.
“For her to support us, it means the world to us,” fire President Robert Stoebener said. “To continue to honor his legacy, it means a little extra to everyone.”
The American Legion seats about 300. Tickets will be sold only at the doors, which open at 4 p.m.
